Regulation

The U.S. government prioritizes AI growth to maintain a competitive edge over China, rejecting stricter regulations. This creates a landscape of regulatory uncertainty for contractors in the tech sector, particularly impacting compliance and investment strategies.

South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is set to finalize its revised national AI policy by November 2026, following the controversial withdrawal of the initial draft over fabricated citations. This revised framework is expected to guide future government procurement of AI technologies and services, presenting new opportunities for vendors and procurement specialists.

The UN's AI panel stresses urgent governance needed as AI tech evolves rapidly, posing risks. This will likely influence procurement landscapes around AI technologies, requiring vendors to align with new standards and regulations.

The OECD's new policy paper highlights how fragmented cybersecurity regulations burden small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Such fragmentation increases compliance costs, impacting effective cybersecurity measures. The OECD advocates for international dialogue and practical tools to align these regulations, aiming for improved resilience and reduced duplication in compliance efforts.

The FCC has extended a waiver for updating software in foreign-made routers and drones until January 1, 2029. This decision continues to balance national security with operational needs, allowing existing devices to maintain cybersecurity measures while limiting new device approvals.

The Algerian healthcare market is shifting towards increased procurement of ultrasound equipment to meet diverse clinical needs. Professionals must navigate challenges such as local regulations, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the need for robust local service networks to support this expansion.